BJP MLA suspended from Bengal Assembly amid uproar over Mamata Banerjee's speech

Kolkata,UPDATED: Jun 16, 2025 15:02 IST

West Bengal Assembly witnessed high drama on Monday after BJP MLA Manoj Kumar Oraon was marshalled out and suspended for a day for allegedly disrupting proceedings of the House. The incident unfolded moments after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee concluded her address on SC/ST reservations and alleged discrimination by the Centre in allocation of funds to Bengal.

Chaos erupted as BJP legislators began protesting inside the House, prompting heated exchanges between members of the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress. Oraon was removed by marshals on the Speaker’s orders, as the situation escalated.

In her speech, Mamata Banerjee asserted that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from Hindu communities continue to enjoy reservations in Bengal, while only Muslims are not included in the OBC list.

"Socially backward groups recommended by the Supreme Court are in the OBC list. Funds due to Bengal are not being released. If an incident occurs in Bengal, hundreds of commissions are sent. But what about Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan?" she questioned, accusing the Centre of double standards.

The Chief Minister also condemned BJP MP and Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar for allegedly hurling slippers at a Punjabi man during a protest in Kolkata's Kalighat area two days ago. Majumdar had been demonstrating against violence in Maheshtala and was briefly detained by police.

"Half these BJP ministers should open a hawai chappal shop,” Mamata quipped sarcastically, referring to the incident. She further predicted a complete wipeout for the BJP in the next Assembly elections. "The way you are humiliating me, I believe you will become zero in 2026," the Chief Minister said.